Winding down the festival season at the Gardens

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]nd what a great festival season it has been, with record-breaking attendance at performances and the highest attendance for educational classes and workshops. As we look forward to a summer of recreational activities, we cannot ignore the movies, plays and other events that will round out the season.

FAMILY FILM FRIDAY
Big Hero 6, April 24, at 8 p.m. “Big Hero 6 is an exciting, action-packed adventure with plenty of heart that both kids and adults alike will find entertaining.” — Jeff Beck, Examiner.com

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney animation studios, Big Hero 6 is an action-packed comedy adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius, thanks to his brilliant brother, Tadashi, and their like minded friends — adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion, a robot named Baymax, and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for hot dogs and snacks; flashlight tours start at about 7:15 p.m., depending on sundown, and the movie begins about 8 p.m. General admission is $5, children under 2 get in free.

COMMUNITY OF RESPECT
Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m., Pinecrest celebrates its fourth year as a “Community of Respect” a program from the Anti- Defamation League. Pinecrest’s five schools will receive banners for their participation in the ADL’s No Place for Hate bullying-prevention program. Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky, Dean of Education and Human Development at the University of Miami, will speak in the Banyan Bowl on the topic “Communities of Fairness, Communities of Wellness.” Dr. Prilleltensky is an insightful, witty speaker of international renown. He has appeared in TED talks and has published several books on well-being individuals, organizations and communities. In 2010 he received the John Kalafat Award for the practice of community psychology by the American Psychological Association. He has a special interest in the integration of fairness and wellness.

A free-standing photographic exhibit, Celebrate Diversity Miami, will be on display. There also will be a presentation by the Palmetto Middle School Odyssey of the Mind Angels of their bullying prevention awareness campaign. Their very cool teeshirts will be on display and lots more. Pizza will be served courtesy of Flippin’ Pizza. Come join us to support respect and fairness in our community. This event is free and open to the entire South Florida community.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD
From May 1-3, Lobel’s characters hop from the page to the stage in A Year With Frog and Toad, a whimsical show that follows two best friends — the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad — through four fun-filled seasons. “(Frog and Toad) appeals to both children and adults alike.

This pair of amphibious acquaintances both entertain and educate audiences of all ages in a production that leaves everyone hoppy.” — Chicago Theater Review. Waking from hibernation in the spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons, celebrating and rejoicing in their differences that make them unique and special along the way. Part vaudeville, part make believe, all charm, A Year With Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures, weathering all seasons.

Performance dates and times are 7 p.m. Friday, May 1; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 2; and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3. The late show on Saturday is a sensory friendly performance, an edited version with lower sound levels.